I will take MY kids whenever I can!

I am a dreamer. Many of the roads I have been on I would have never foreseen. I have had an amazing personal life and my home life, although not perfect, is filled with love.

My dreams on many occasions have taken me away from my family. Sometimes, women have to choose between following through with their careers and being at home with their family. No one would ever second guess if a Dad had to work over a holiday yet mothers would be crucified if they skipped a preschool graduation, a holiday, or took a business course to further their education. This is a double standard that doesn't fly in this house. When I am gone, the situation has given my kids a chance to lean on each other and their Dad when they can’t lean on me. I find this healthy.

But, when I can take them with me, I take them with me. There is a time for family. There is a time for work. There is a time for just my husband and I.

This approach to family and life has cost me some jobs and added financial stress. But, "WE" have no regrets. I would rather be a work "with" my kids mom than a millionaire mom. If my kids, or just one, can come experience a businesses' product and/or service that I have been asked to represent I consider this a win/win for both company and family business.

This approach to family has added some outsider stress. Kids aren't meant to be everywhere. The perspective John and I have is where our kids are not welcome, we are not. They are part of us. This is especially sensitive at family events. We will plan dates on our own time, on our own terms, and when we need them.

My biggest fear—isn’t that our choices, –would make it harder for our bank account or my relationships. My biggest fear is that my kids will be scared to negotiate with corporations and fear discussions with loved ones and not be able to tell them what they really feel.

Our 3 kids don’t need to be with us. We don't need to have them with us. We WANT them with us. I think this is beautiful.

We don't need our kids to be watched by us or protected. We want our kids to know that our approach to family is we tackle problems together, we celebrate together, and we own a family business, TOGETHER. All of us, together. I want them to see the purpose of togetherness.

Often, my kids remind me of the wonderful adventures I have taken them on. They do not know much about the many NOs I have said on their behalf and I do not care. My kids have seen me work. They have seen me boldly define success. They have seen me stand up for family. They have seen me stand up for me. When I say me, they know I mean "us."

I know that when they bring these memories back to life at the dinner table they are saying more than "Remember that? That was a fun time. Thank you!" What they are really saying is "that last family celebration was great to be part of. I like this family! I KNOW there will never be a memory like it again!" They will remember that meeting they sat in the corner and read a book while I negotiated a social media strategy was long. But, they will remember the airplane flight, hotel stay, pool swim, and one on one time with us, together, was super fun.

So, if you are starting a family don't look at kids as an interruption to your life. Instead be prepared to interrupt theirs. Interrupt them with letting them see how hard you work, how hard you play, and how beautiful together can be because these days will.not.last.forever.